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Iran and the US have begun considering an extension of the ceasefire by two more weeks. According to Bloomberg, a knowledgeable individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the purpose of extending the ceasefire is to gain more time for negotiations. The report further states that intermediary countries are attempting to engage in technical discussions to resolve contentious issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear enrichment.
If the technical negotiations are successful, it could pave the way for further negotiations in the next phase. A US official stated that there is no guarantee that the ceasefire will be extended, contradicting claims made by US President Donald Trump that the ceasefire would not be extended, saying it might not be necessary. In an interview with US TV, the US President said that the war is almost over, and Iran is eager to sign an agreement, stating that a surprising development will be seen in the next two days, with America’s priority being to sign an agreement. The US President also stated that Gulf countries were severely affected by Iran’s attacks and that they did not expect Iran to launch an attack on them.
US President Donald Trump has called for peace in Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun. The situation has taken a new turn, with Indian media reporting that Iran may receive over 1,000 “man-portable air defense systems” (MANPADS) from China, which could be delivered through secret channels.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stated that Iran is not seeking dominance in the region and wants to protect its sovereignty. In a separate statement, Iranian President Rouhani stated that those who label Iran as a terrorist state are themselves terrorists who can kill anyone, anywhere. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his government is considering a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump has stated that the US and Iran had their first meeting in 34 years on Monday in Washington, D.C., with Marco Rubio also present.
In a separate incident, a single mother in China has gained widespread attention on social media for her struggles, as she has been lifting heavy cement blocks on construction sites for the past 16 years to raise her children and pay for their education. Pope Francis has stated that the world is being destroyed by a few tyrannical rulers.
The situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, with several towns and villages being destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. According to British media, at least 1,400 buildings have been destroyed since March 2. US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has stated that Iran was informed that the US knows about the transfer of military assets. In an interview with a news agency, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated that Europe has six weeks’ worth of jet fuel, and if Iran were to block oil shipments, it could lead to the cancellation of flights in Europe.
